Yeah but amazingly enough, some people still complain about it. Last time I had to do a project about a culture, so I needed to find books of it. I came to the library at 9 something (it's open at 10), I was waiting outside and there were already bunch of people waiting at the door. They were talking so loud. I made a conversation with a group of college students (it was fun). We came to a point about how many books we could borrow at the library, and they were bitter because they could only borrow 40 books . So weird....Lalee wrote: :o 40 is a lot, Lennye. I wish there were a library like that here. Libraries here suck ass!
What is the latest book you have read recently?
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Ok Lennye, let me get this straight... the students were upset because they could "only" borrow 40 books?? *Gasp*LennyeTran wrote: Yeah but amazingly enough, some people still complain about it. Last time I had to do a project about a culture, so I needed to find books of it. I came to the library at 9 something (it's open at 10), I was waiting outside and there were already bunch of people waiting at the door. They were talking so loud. I made a conversation with a group of college students (it was fun). We came to a point about how many books we could borrow at the library, and they were bitter because they could only borrow 40 books . So weird....
If they were bitter just for that, I wonder what they would do if they lived here...Hmm...I think they would destroy the libraries here showing their anger and disagreement.
Watch out Lima libraries!
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Well, what can I say...the book is not amusing but is not that bad. I'm about to finish it.Dixie wrote: I have that book. I started reading it but didn't finish. It bored me to death!! I'm sorry to say that, master Dickens! Maybe I should try starting it again. Focus!!
This is my first time that I read a Dickens' book so I can't say whether or not his books are all the same.
Come to think of it, I saw a movie similar to that book. Do you remember? Starring Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow. Yeah, it's the same story! :o
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Hmm...I guess I'll have to see it again. It's been a long time since I watched that movie that's why I can't remember it.Dixie wrote: By "green" I mean green :D if you notice, everything in the movie is green: the house, the characters' outfits, the walls... Just watch it again! :D
When was the last time you saw it?
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Hi everybody
The latest book I've read is called "De vita beata" (<=> "Happy life" :? ) by Sénèque, who was a roman philosopher. It is quite astounding to read a book who was written almost 2000 years old ago ! (and it is not so old-fashioned :) ) In this work, he tries to tell us how to lead an happy and quiet life.
Has anybody read a book written by Sénèque ? I advise you this author, who's quite understandable...
Bye
Goronman
The latest book I've read is called "De vita beata" (<=> "Happy life" :? ) by Sénèque, who was a roman philosopher. It is quite astounding to read a book who was written almost 2000 years old ago ! (and it is not so old-fashioned :) ) In this work, he tries to tell us how to lead an happy and quiet life.
Has anybody read a book written by Sénèque ? I advise you this author, who's quite understandable...
Bye
Goronman
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the last book i've read is 1984 by george orwell and i have to say that, although the story didn't engage me a lot in some moments, it's very interesting because of the world that presents. it's curious how different we are in some things and how similar in others, like the influence of the media. the topics of mind manipulation, manipulation through language, etc. were very interesting too.
have someone read this kind of books? do you prefer others like farenheit or brave new world?
goronman, i think i'm gonna study sénèque next year so i hope i will be able to read something written by him :)
have someone read this kind of books? do you prefer others like farenheit or brave new world?
goronman, i think i'm gonna study sénèque next year so i hope i will be able to read something written by him :)
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trinity19 wrote:the last book i've read is 1984 by george orwell
I've read it too, not a long time ago ! :P Although it's science-fiction, it's quite funny to see how our modern world looks like, or rather begins to look like to Orwell's vision : the importance of media, disinformation, egoism, bachelorhood ( ) and also mass globalisation. Quite frightening...
I advise you, by George Orwell, Animal Farm (If you have not read it yet ). It's a deep critic or the USSR regim and Stalin's dictatory...
Good luck with stoics
BYE
Goronman
P:S Where do you come from Trinity19 ? ( I'm just curious )
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I think you should give it a try, Dixie. It's a reflective story about a guy that murders two innocent women... I find it quite strange as I don't read many of books concering those issues but this one seems really good.Dixie wrote:That book is very popular here. But I must say I haven't read it.illusion wrote:right now I am reading ''Crime and Punishment'' by a Russian writer called Dostoyevski..
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Oh I read the Zahir!!! I even made a post about it earlier but no one never replied so I guess not many people apart from us read it. But to be honest it's not my favourite Coehlo's book. I love the one ''Demon and Miss Prym'' or something like that...serenella wrote:Have you read the last book by Paulo Coelho 'The Zahir'?Marzieh wrote:The latest book I read was Al-quimista by Pauolo Coelho.
It's one of the latest books I read and I think it's the best one among all those written by him.
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What makes you love that book? It was so boring for me... I can't understand your love :)illusion wrote: I love the one ''Demon and Miss Prym'' or something like that...
I have read several books by Paulo Cohelo and I don't find them very interesting. I don't think he deserves the success he has achieved in selling his books.
On the other hand, I find his work in non-literature based works very interesting.
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I've just read "Thick Face, Black Heart". It explains a bit about how to apply Chinese Philisophy to our daily struggles with Life.
I appreciate the explanation about 'allowing your dharma to unfold...' Before reading this book, I was such a driven personality. I had to set out the plans, map out the strategy, and prepare for the next battle. That is how I viewed life... and my career. Now, I simply plant the seeds and watch them unfurl their leaves. I allow my dharma to reveal itself to me. But I'm still new to this way of thinking so I have to consciously tell myself to pause, walk or meander for a while. Meandering can be pleasant (I'm learning), especially when I'm having a cup of good coffee and puffing on my slim capri cigarette from the small balcony of my little house.
I appreciate the explanation about 'allowing your dharma to unfold...' Before reading this book, I was such a driven personality. I had to set out the plans, map out the strategy, and prepare for the next battle. That is how I viewed life... and my career. Now, I simply plant the seeds and watch them unfurl their leaves. I allow my dharma to reveal itself to me. But I'm still new to this way of thinking so I have to consciously tell myself to pause, walk or meander for a while. Meandering can be pleasant (I'm learning), especially when I'm having a cup of good coffee and puffing on my slim capri cigarette from the small balcony of my little house.
The eternal student. There is much to learn, discover and talk about.
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I love the way he uses simplicity with words to illustrate the most profound truths in life. Take for example the "crystal shop owner' who dreams of going on a pilgrimage to Mecca but remains in his store from year to year. This from his cult classic "The Alchemist". Maybe you have to read Coelho again and deeply...this time.pob wrote:What makes you love that book? It was so boring for me... I can't understand your love :)illusion wrote: I love the one ''Demon and Miss Prym'' or something like that...
I have read several books by Paulo Cohelo and I don't find them very interesting. I don't think he deserves the success he has achieved in selling his books.
On the other hand, I find his work in non-literature based works very interesting.
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The most profound truths in life are not so profound, they are very simple, like life is.Pinay wrote: I love the way he uses simplicity with words to illustrate the most profound truths in life. Take for example the "crystal shop owner' who dreams of going on a pilgrimage to Mecca but remains in his store from year to year. This from his cult classic "The Alchemist". Maybe you have to read Coelho again and deeply...this time.
You people make them profound by closing your eyes to them and so you need to read books like those by Coelho to open your eyes.
There is no deeply reading of Coelho, there is no deeply reading of our lives, everything is simple, you only have to open your eyes.
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If you don't like Coelho, then you don't. But "People like you, blah... blah...blah.." is a sweeping statement isn't it? And a bit hostile? This wasn't an attack on you at all. It was meant to inspire a pleasant discussion. Or debate.
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I like Coelho, I don't like his books.Pinay wrote:If you don't like Coelho, then you don't. But "People like you, blah... blah...blah.." is a sweeping statement isn't it? And a bit hostile? This wasn't an attack on you at all. It was meant to inspire a pleasant discussion. Or debate.
I haven't said "People like you, ..." but something different... but, oh, I remember you are not good at reading, so you find something to be read in Coelho's books :)
It was no hostile, but this time I allow myself to be a bit sarcastic don't get angry please.
You want to debate? Tell me why do you see truths so profound... why? Truths are so simple...
On the other hand you can love the way he expresses ideas by writting, and I can agree with you or accept that opinion since I don't care very much about stiles...
but please, is there any deeply reading?? You can find deeply readings in other writters, but in Coelho... please!!
If Coelho is for deeply reading, then we need a skin-diver suit to read books like, for instance, "Those spoke Zaratustra".
But on the other hand I'm open to debate, if I can participate... it was long time ago that I read Coelho's books... :?
You can help me with my English by telling me my mistakes in a private message. Thanks :)
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pob wrote:I like Coelho, I don't like his books.Pinay wrote:If you don't like Coelho, then you don't. But "People like you, blah... blah...blah.." is a sweeping statement isn't it? And a bit hostile? This wasn't an attack on you at all. It was meant to inspire a pleasant discussion. Or debate.
I haven't said "People like you, ..." but something different... but, oh, I remember you are not good at reading, so you find something to be read in Coelho's books :)
It was no hostile, but this time I allow myself to be a bit sarcastic don't get angry please.
You want to debate? Tell me why do you see truths so profound... why? Truths are so simple...
On the other hand you can love the way he expresses ideas by writting, and I can agree with you or accept that opinion since I don't care very much about stiles...
but please, is there any deeply reading?? You can find deeply readings in other writters, but in Coelho... please!!
If Coelho is for deeply reading, then we need a skin-diver suit to read books like, for instance, "Those spoke Zaratustra".
But on the other hand I'm open to debate, if I can participate... it was long time ago that I read Coelho's books... :?
I'm not angry. I don't think I know you well enough to be angry. But I accept that you don't like his style and that's the end of it I guess. And I agree that truths are profound in their simplicity.
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You want to debate? Tell me why do you see truths so profound... why? Truths are so simple...
I was thinking about this for some time and I couldn't resist throwing this in for you to think about. I'm Asian...and for every perception there is always a cultural imperative... so to an Asian nothing is ever so simple, even simplicity itself. Take for example how a westerner would view an introspective Asian... he would think "shy or timid", perhaps(simple isn't it?). But to an Asian there are different degrees of stillness. I'm explaining reading Coelho from the point of view of an Asian and not preaching to you. So fire your sarcastic missiles! Fuego!
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1- I don't catch what do you mean, can you talk about that?Pinay wrote: 1- I'm Asian...and for every perception there is always a cultural imperative...
2- Take for example how a westerner would view an introspective Asian...
2- Nowadays, there is no so big difference between western people and Asian people... but still, that kind of topic is true many times.
I think a profound book could be for instance "Tao Te King". You can read it again and again, and reach different degrees of "understanding".
You can help me with my English by telling me my mistakes in a private message. Thanks :)
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1-Do you mean if you knew me well you could get angry? :)Pinay wrote: 1- I don't think I know you well enough to be angry.
2- I agree that truths are profound in their simplicity.
I hope you don't, it's interesting talking with you.
2- And they are simple in their depth :) It's always a game of how you focus your mind...
...and I'd like to add that many people are not used to focus their minds (less in Asia than here) and so I meant about these people and not about "people like you"
You can help me with my English by telling me my mistakes in a private message. Thanks :)
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I think Coehlo is a controversial author because he has achieved success by writing stories about simple human feelings and that's so deep about him. not everyone can understand his books because they're not usual even if they speak about ordinary matters. I think I loved Demon and Miss Prym because of the topic of the book which was the constant fight between good and evil and in the end a human had to choose... The book had a huge impact on me and I am aware that many people find it boring whereas for me it's my favourite one by Paulo Coehlo. Anyway what I wanted to say is that I think he really deserves the whole popularity he has because there isn't any other novellist who writes so simply but so beautifully. it's a gift not everyone can have...
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1- I don't catch what do you mean, can you talk about that?
2- Nowadays, there is no so big difference between western people and Asian people... but still, that kind of topic is true many times.
I think a profound book could be for instance "Tao Te King". You can read it again and again, and reach different degrees of "understanding".[/quote]
1. Well, here goes... get your missiles ready... In my humble opinion, an Asian would prioritize differently from the Westerner. A Westerner values 'drive', 'ambition', 'goals', 'achievements'... therefore he would prefer a book that gets to the bottom of things more quickly, without further ado. An Asian values 'balance' 'peace of mind' 'self-restraint' so he/she would prefer a book that meanders, something more introspective, something more quiet. Coelho would be a good read to an Asian because of the simple yet profound way he opens one's eyes to how we choose to live our lives. We would find it profound because being 'Asian" isn't simple at all. There are many layers to being Asian and the simple act of unveiling is a complicated to someone like me.
2. Come to Asia. Maybe you'll change your mind. Stay for a longer time until you are immersed. Then talk to me about how similar we are... or not.
2- Nowadays, there is no so big difference between western people and Asian people... but still, that kind of topic is true many times.
I think a profound book could be for instance "Tao Te King". You can read it again and again, and reach different degrees of "understanding".[/quote]
1. Well, here goes... get your missiles ready... In my humble opinion, an Asian would prioritize differently from the Westerner. A Westerner values 'drive', 'ambition', 'goals', 'achievements'... therefore he would prefer a book that gets to the bottom of things more quickly, without further ado. An Asian values 'balance' 'peace of mind' 'self-restraint' so he/she would prefer a book that meanders, something more introspective, something more quiet. Coelho would be a good read to an Asian because of the simple yet profound way he opens one's eyes to how we choose to live our lives. We would find it profound because being 'Asian" isn't simple at all. There are many layers to being Asian and the simple act of unveiling is a complicated to someone like me.
2. Come to Asia. Maybe you'll change your mind. Stay for a longer time until you are immersed. Then talk to me about how similar we are... or not.
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[1-Do you mean if you knew me well you could get angry? :)
I hope you don't, it's interesting talking with you.
1. If you can be sarcastic on the net with your written words, and there is no mistaking the sarcasm and mockery in your writing tone. How much more in person?! If we were having coffee and arguing about Coelho at a coffee shop...Oh! We would be arguing for sure...but we wouldn't kill each other...we'd live to argue another day. Ha ha
I hope you don't, it's interesting talking with you.
1. If you can be sarcastic on the net with your written words, and there is no mistaking the sarcasm and mockery in your writing tone. How much more in person?! If we were having coffee and arguing about Coelho at a coffee shop...Oh! We would be arguing for sure...but we wouldn't kill each other...we'd live to argue another day. Ha ha
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A classic! I'd like to read it too. It's a must for any Philologist... Yeah, again... shame on me I know what topics the book deals with, when and by whom it was written, what it means... But haven't read it...Jail4bird wrote:I've just read up to the end "The Canterbury Tales" by Chaucer. Unfortunately, not in the original...A starnge one thing, but rather attractive...
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Being a philologist myself i can agree, it's a must)) you should read)) It's worth...especailly in Old English :DDixie wrote: A classic! I'd like to read it too. It's a must for any Philologist... Yeah, again... shame on me I know what topics the book deals with, when and by whom it was written, what it means... But haven't read it...
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Over the summer I read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Its a great book, well at least in my opinion. Its about a woman name Jane Eyre who had a missable childhood, but she strived and became a governess. Eventually she fell in love with Mr. Rochester her boss, who loved her too. There was a problem between them and so Jane left Mr. Rochester. She became poor again, but this book has a good ending so I encourage anyone to read it. It is an English literature, I think it would be great for anyone who likes romantic stories. This is my first time posting anything so Hi Everyone.
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I read it in college, really a classic. We studied its symbolism deeply and every now and then the professors referred to it. A jewel.danielle626 wrote:Over the summer I read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Its a great book, well at least in my opinion. Its about a woman name Jane Eyre who had a missable childhood, but she strived and became a governess. Eventually she fell in love with Mr. Rochester her boss, who loved her too. There was a problem between them and so Jane left Mr. Rochester. She became poor again, but this book has a good ending so I encourage anyone to read it. It is an English literature, I think it would be great for anyone who likes romantic stories. This is my first time posting anything so Hi Everyone.
By the way, welcome Danielle26 ;)
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